Your Magenta Monday Magic.
Happy Thanksgiving week to my U.S. readers!
This time of year tends to trigger a stress reaction in me – possibly because it reminds me of when my kids were little. There were Christmas card photos to take, cards to send out, presents to buy, and school plays and parties to attend. I took on everything that came with hosting our extended family on Christmas Day, and I found the season anything but jolly.
It wasn’t necessarily the activities themselves that wore me down, it was that I felt I had to execute them perfectly – without letting anyone see me sweat. 🥵
It had to look effortless.
I thought I had to be perfect.
But perfectionism is a nefarious trait. As Brené Brown explains, it has nothing to do with personal growth, and everything to do with what other people will think.
‘Healthy striving is self-focused, “How can I improve?” While perfectionism is other-focused. “What will people think?” Brené Brown
It’s something to keep top of mind as you move through this midlife chapter because while you’re learning about who you are and how you want to show up, perfectionism can be an insidious foe. Personal growth activities can help you break free from perfectionism, as they encourage self-reflection and prioritizing your own needs over others' expectations.
When it comes time to make choices about what comes next, it can be paralyzing.
After all, you want to believe that you are making the right choice – the ‘perfect’ choice.
Those thoughts are totally normal – they come with the territory when you’re pushing the edges of your comfort zone and facing down your fears.
Fear of what other people might think.
Fear of making a mistake.
Fear of making the ‘wrong’ choice.
And when you add in the fact that you may not fully trust in yourself, after years of just doing what you were supposed to do….
Well, that’s how you can end up stuck.
But, I’m here to tell you, the next leg of your journey is all about pushing your edges, taking risks – even if you have to start small – and learning to trust yourself.
Personal growth activities can help you develop this trust, one small step at a time.
At the end of the day, even if you make the ‘wrong’ choice, and things don’t go exactly as planned, guess what? You will pick yourself up, dust yourself off, clean up any mess, and chalk it up to a lesson learned.
That’s the beauty of being a grown-ass woman and taking responsibility for doing life the way YOU want to.
Monday Mindshift
It’s the 1° shift that makes the biggest difference over time.
Think about a choice you have to make. It could be anything from what type of yogurt to buy (omg so many choices!) to whether or not to take a new job.
If it’s a choice with less impact – like yogurt – just choose and see what happens. Guess what? If you hate it, you’ll know not to buy that flavor next time!
If it’s a bigger choice – like the career move – you might want to talk to one or two people you trust, to ask for their input.
Then, spend some time in quiet contemplation, and really notice how you feel when you think about that job offer. 🧐
Are you excited?
Are you nervous?
Does it fill you with dread?
Does it feel like a ‘no’?
Witness without judgment how it feels in your body. Fear and nervousness don’t necessarily indicate you should steer clear. They can also mean it’s something you need to seriously consider, and it’s pushing past your comfort zone that makes it feel scary.
Dread or an instant no – even if it means more money – is a good indicator that something isn’t the right fit. ⛔
Whatever you choose, own it and know that you are making the best choice you can with the information you have. Personal growth activities like mindfulness and self-reflection can help you stay grounded as you navigate these decisions, allowing you to make choices that align with your true self.
That’s what you want to aim for – the best choice for you – not the ‘perfect’ one.
And that, my friend, is how you begin to know and live your truth. ♥
Living BRIGHTer is...
B - Be Brave
R - Cultivate Relationships
I - Live with Intention
G - Practice Gratitude
H - Prioritize Health
T - Live your Truth
What is Magenta?
The color magenta is one of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life. Magenta helps to create harmony and balance in every aspect of life; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
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